In reply to Phil4000: Hi Davie, we both climb upto E2, a couple of weeks climbing upto AD+ in the alps but but no real ice climbing experience apart from visits to the icefactor in Kinlochleven. We were looking to grab a guide for a day or two to build a basic knowledge base before heading off on our own for the rest of the holiday and get some routes under our belts.

In reply to Phil4000: Arolla? Obviously I'm biased as I live there, but it has plenty to go at from a top-roping "boulder" to single pitch 2/3 to multi-pitch 5/6. It's high as well, so is likely to be good at Christmas. Also within easy reach of Mauvoisin, Kandersteg, Zinal, etc